Now That’s What I Call… The Extended Eurovision Universe
As Eurovision fans (and some who aren’t) know, Eurovision neither starts nor ends with the main contest. From National Final season introducing the world to new and exciting artists, to former Junior Eurovision artists, to the big- and small-name songwriters and producers that work behind the scenes, people from all over the music industry make Eurovision the amazing thing that it is. Here is some of the best new music by Eurovision-adjacent acts.
SAL – “A Viagem Vai a Meio” (LP)
It’s been a while since SAL livened up Festival da Canção with “Viver”, but now the band are here with a full album for your listening pleasure. The still excellent FdC track is the album opener and sets the tone for many an excellent piece of indie-rock. “A Viagem Vai a Meio” (The Journey is Halfway Through) both satirizes and plays with the standard building blocks of pop music, leading to a delightful mix of catchy choruses and clear structures while still at times leaving you a little disoriented at exactly how the band uses them. Album of the month!
SHWR – “Nauji Metai”
“Nauji Metai” (New Year) is a song by Lithuanian band Antis that dates back to their debut album from 1987. Fellow Lithuanian rockers SHWR covered it well in time for the New Year, expanding the sound of the original without losing the moodiness or wintery coldness of the original.
Chiquita Movida – “Fotos felices”
Rayden’s Chiquita Movida project has moved on from last month’s EP already with “Fotos felices” (Happy photos). The track leans a little more into the rock part of the groups indie pop rock sound, with the guitars being a bit heavier and more prominent. And that makes perfect sense, as the song is about how we often lie about our happiness as exemplified by how we pose as happy for photos. Song of the month!
Samira Manners – “house we built”
People familiar with my Eurovision opinions will know I am not a Melfest fan, and even if this specific round-up is your only exposure to me, I think you could have guessed it isn’t one of my favourite national finals. Despite that, I always quite enjoy Samira Manners’ music, which means I am very happy to report she has a new song out! It’s been over two years since the excellent “How-To-Be-Decent-Guide” and “house we built” sees the production pull back a bit so that Samira can deliver a heartfelt acoustic ballad. The song, which Samira composed together with producer Remi Rorschach, gently builds as she struggles to come with terms with being shut out of the life she had built with someone else. Just a really, really nice song and I hope this means there is more music coming soon.
Capital da Bulgária – “sozinha”
Despite being a “INTERGALACTIC MEGASENSATION” to TES’ very own Daniel, Capital da Bulgária is feeling “sozinha” (alone). It’s a lovely piece of alt-pop that builds an oppressive atmosphere as the song continues. Excellent stuff.
AMP (Antsud Metal Project) – “Valu”
After they released an album back in May, I though the Antsud Metal Project would be taking a well deserved break from the round-up. But I was wrong, as just a few months later they are back with more folk metal. “Valu” (Pain) uses the strength of Antsud’s vocalists and the unique qualities of metal to make a song about the pain and sadness we quietly carry with us, no matter how much it hurts.
Paulina Paukštaitytė – “Geriau vėliau nei niekada”
You’re right, Paulina. “Geriau vėliau nei niekada” (Better late than never) to make your debut in the TES music round-up. This groovey lovesong about finally confessing one’s feelings makes it here by virtue of just being such a solid pop track that is further elevated by a vocal delivery from Paulina that really draws you in. The song was written by her together with her go-to composer Vilius Popendikis and the song’s producer Jānis Jačmenkins (“Eat Your Salad”, “Stay – Čiūto tūto”, 5miinust, most Supernova artists you know and love).
Listen to all the songs above and more
We’ve made a handy Spotify playlist of the songs in this article and all other new music from Eurovision artists this month, including remixes and other special releases. So get ready for everything from Rayden, JJ, and Mia Nicolai to Tina Karol, Luke Black, Aiko, and many more. The playlist gets updated every month, so don’t forget to follow it to always stay up to date. Did we miss anything? Then send Angus a message over on your social media of choice.
What was your favourite new music this month? And whose music are you looking forward to next month? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for all the latest Eurovision news and more!
News Source: That Eurovision Site / Various
Photo Credit: Justyna Steczkowska, Charlotte Perrelli, Aliona Moon, Paulina Paukštaitytė. Collage by That Eurovision Site.
Giwrgos Oiko